In an world growing ever more environmentally conscious, mixed-use communities create a sense of belonging, promote a healthier lifestyle and embrace the latest sustainable principles. The Dos Lagos project in Corona, Calif., with views of the Temescal Canyon and Cleveland National Forest, is no exception. At 534 acres (216 hectares), the community incorporates residential properties, offices, a retail center, and large central park and gathering area. Developing this previously abandoned silica quarry into a showcase community was no easy task, but Ali Sahabi, owner of Corona-based SE Corp., Dos Lagos’ developer, was up for the challenge. Sahabi long dreamed of creating a community that would set the standard for sustainability and livability.
After the site was declared environmentally sound, Sahabi commissioned Consolidating Contracting Services Inc., San Clemente, Calif., to build the 10-acre (4-hectare) park. Norberto Nardi of Monrovia, Calif.-based Nardi Associates LLP designed the area.Natural materials and water features add to the basic appeal of the area. A circular pedestrian walkway, which leads to a 440-seat outdoor amphitheatre, is lined with park benches and reminiscent of Corona’s historic Grand Avenue circle. Water elements include two 4-acre (2-hectare), heart-shaped manmade lakes with built-in biological filters. Fiber-optic lighting illuminates a central 9-foot- (2.7-m-) high waterfall that flows under a steel and bamboo bridge. The bridge was the most challenging aspect of the project.
The 900-foot (274-m) undulating armature walkway is covered by a 750- by 16-foot (228- by 5-m) garden trellis of bamboo, concrete and rolled steel beams. The artistic armature divides the two lake halves and bridges the foot of the waterfall, creating a panorama of nature and the community.
The 200 steel I-beams that make up the bridge had to be detailed on a 3-D model to ensure a perfect fit. Faux metallic paint covers the steel ribs to give the appearance of rusting. Horizontal bamboo connects the vertical I-beams. The bamboo was hand oiled and secured using metal straps.
To secure the bridge, the construction team installed several 50-foot- (15-m-) deep poured- in-place piles. Each was connected by a 20- by 16-inch (508- by 406-mm), 100-foot- (30-m-) long, hot-galvanized steel tube. I-beams and a metal pan deck filled with concrete complete the bridge. Radius saw cuts and multicolored concrete stain add the finishing artistic touches. Today, the park and its unique bridge are referred to as the community’s “heart” and a crown jewel for the development.